Ep.106 From Cult to Comedy: Shannon Payton Discovers Strength and Recovery Through Humor

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

Our travel through health and wellness on the podcast doesn't end with menopause, diets, and dumbbells; today we venture into the tangled realm of cults with Shannon Payton. Her raw account, as a survivor and thriver, of a youth and adult spent within the restrictive walls of a religious cult, not only educates but also empowers, as she recounts her evolution with a resilience that's both poignant and humorous.
Life inside a religious cult isn't a tale often told with candid laughter and heartfelt revelations, yet this is precisely the narrative Shannon brings to our episode. Through her eyes, we witness the stifling grip of controlling environments and the liberating exodus that reshaped her entire world. Our conversation weaves through her unique childhood experiences, the challenges of forging real friendships post-cult, and the sweet triumph of building a family through adoption, all of which have sculpted a woman who now champions the expansive opportunities she provides for her children.
With each twist and turn of life's journey, Shannon has embraced laughter as her lifeline, a truth that resonated deeply during the isolation of the pandemic. Her spontaneous rise to social media stardom and the creation of a podcast sanctuary for those affected by coercive control have marked her as a beacon of relatability and healing. It's not just about the laughs; it's about the connections, the stories, and the collective healing we experience when we share. Join us for a conversation that promises to touch your heart, tickle your funny bone, and perhaps, inspire your next step forward.
You can find Shannon Payton at:
https://shannypantsshow.com/
Instagram @therealshannypants
YouTube Shanny Pants Show

Are you ready to reclaim your midlife body and health? I went through my own personal journey through menopause, the struggle with midsection weight gain, and feeling rundown. Faster Way, a transformative six-week group program, set me on the path to sustainable change. I'd love to work with you! Let me help you reach your health and fitness goals.
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan
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Chapters

1. Midlife Health and Cult Survivor Interview (00:00:00)

2. Growing Up in a Religious Cult (00:16:04)

3. Forging True Friendships and Building Family (00:30:36)

4. Finding Humor and Healing Through Challenges (00:41:22)

5. Social Media Connecting With People (00:50:46)